Therapeutic compounds

ABSTRACT

The invention provides compounds of Formula (I): 
                         
wherein R 1  and R 2  have any of the values or specific values defined herein, as well as compositions comprising such compounds and therapeutic methods comprising the administration of such compounds.

PRIORITY OF INVENTION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/899,788, filed 6 Feb. 2007.

GOVERNMENT FUNDING

The invention described herein was made with government support underGrant Number CHE-0213502 awarded by the National Science Foundation. TheUnited States Government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Chemotherapy plays a major role in the management of cancer (e.g.,breast cancer). For individuals with recurrent or metastatic disease,systemic chemotherapy is often the treatment of choice. Unfortunately,systemic chemotherapy is rarely curative. In addition, treatment withstandard chemotherapy agents, such as cyclophosphamide, 5-FU,doxorubicin and paclitaxel, results in significant side effects and israrely curative in cases of advanced disease. Consequently, breastcancer alone claims the lives of close to 41,000 women each year in theU.S. Therefore, there is a pressing need for new anticancer agents withunique activity and/or fewer side effects.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention provide compounds that haveanti-cancer activity. Accordingly in one embodiment the inventionprovides a compound Formula (I):

wherein:

R₁ is carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted with one or more groups independentlyselected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy,(C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, carboxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl,NR_(a)R_(b), (C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy, and arylcarbonyloxy;

R₂ is CF₂Br, CFHBr, CF₂Cl, CFHCl, CFBr₂, CFCl₂, CBr₃, C(R_(c))(R_(d))Br,C(R_(c))(R_(d))Cl, CF(R_(e))Br, CF₂I, CFHI, C(R_(c))(R_(d))I,CF(RF_(e))I or CCl₃;

each R_(a) and R_(b) is independently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, oraryl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl;

each R_(c) and R_(d) is independently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; and

R_(e) is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy;

wherein each aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy,arylcarbonyloxy or heteroarylcarbonyloxy of R₁ is optionally substitutedwith one or more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy,nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, mercapto, carboxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl,heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, heteroaryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl,heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenoyloxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy;

or a salt thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention the compound of Formula (I) is not4-bromo-4,4-difluorobut-2-ynoic acid.

In one embodiment of the invention the compound of Formula (I) is not6-bromo-6,6-difluoro-2-methylhex-4-yn-3-ol.

In one embodiment of the invention the compound of Formula (I) is not1-bromo-1,1-difluoro-non-2-yn-4-ol.

The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention also provides a method for treating cancer in an animalcomprising administering a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof to the animal.

The invention also provides a method for treating a pathologicalcondition or symptom in an animal wherein the activity of DNAmethyltransferase 1 is implicated and inhibition of its action isdesired comprising administering a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof to the animal. Such conditionsinclude myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), leukemia, a solid tumor,schizophrenia, sickle cell disease, and lupus (SLE).

The invention also provides a method for inhibiting the activity of DNAmethyltransferase 1 comprising contacting the DNA methyltransferase 1with a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.

The invention also provides a method for treating a hemaglobinopathy,such as a thalassemia (e.g. beta-thalassemia) in an animal comprisingadministering a compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof to the animal.

The invention also provides a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in medical therapy.

The invention also provides the use of a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of amedicament for the treatment of cancer in an animal.

The invention also provides the use of a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of amedicament for treating a pathological condition or symptom in an animalwherein the activity of DNA methyltransferase 1 is implicated andinhibition of its action is desired.

The invention also provides the use of a compound of Formula (I) or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of amedicament for the treatment of a hemaglobinopathy, such as athalassemia (e.g. beta-thalassemia) in an animal.

The invention also provides processes and intermediates disclosed hereinthat are useful for preparing compounds of Formula (I) or salts thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1. Illustrates Mean Graph Representations showing the activityprofiles of the compound of Example 1, FIG. 1A and Halomon FIG. 1B inthe 60 Tumor Cell Line Screen.

FIG. 2. Shows the in vivo effects of the compound of Example 1 from TestF. Female nude mice with established A549 xenografts (n=7 per group)received injections (i.p.) of the compound of Example 1 or vehicle up to30 times with no evidence of toxicity. (A) Tumor growth appeared to bereduced in mice treated with the compound of Example 1, but the effectwas not statistically significant (p≧0.13). (B) IACUC protocol mandatedthat mice with ulcerated/necrotic tumors had to be euthanized, but thetumors in mice that had necrosis were substantially smaller than controltumors. The table shows data for the three treated mice euthanizedbefore the end of the experiment due to tumor necrosis. Compare with themean ±SE in the control group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following definitions are used, unless otherwise described: halo isfluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo. Alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy,alkenyloxy, alkynyloxy, alkylthio, etc., denote both straight andbranched groups; but reference to an individual radical such as propylembraces only the straight chain radical, a branched chain isomer suchas isopropyl being specifically referred to. The term cycloalkylincludes monocyclic or polycyclic alkyl rings containing from 3 to 12carbon atoms. The term alkenyl includes hydrocarbon chains that includeone or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4) double bonds in the chain. The termalkynyl includes hydrocarbon chains that include one or more (e.g. 1, 2,3, or 4) triple bonds in the chain, and that also may optionally includeone or more (e.g. 1, 2, 3, or 4) double bonds in the chain. The numberof carbons in a hydrocarbon chain (e.g. alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl) maybe designated herein, for example, by (C₁-C₂₀), which means a chaincomprising from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or by another similar designation.

Aryl denotes a phenyl radical or an ortho-fused bicyclic carbocyclicradical having about nine to ten ring atoms in which at least one ringis aromatic. Heteroaryl encompasses a radical of a monocyclic aromaticring containing five or six ring atoms consisting of carbon and one tofour heteroatoms each selected from the group consisting of non-peroxideoxygen, sulfur, and N(X) wherein X is absent, or is H, O, (C₁-C₄)alkyl,phenyl or benzyl, as well as a radical of an ortho-fused bicyclicheterocycle of about eight to ten ring atoms derived therefrom,particularly a benz-derivative or one derived by fusing a propylene,trimethylene, or tetramethylene diradical thereto.

The term “heterocyclyl” refers to a saturated, or partially unsaturatedmonocyclic radical containing 4-7 atoms and at least 1 heteroatomselected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen N(Y),wherein Y is a point of attachment, H, O, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl orbenzyl, as well as a radical of a bicyclic or tricyclic ring systemderived therefrom, particularly, one derived by fusing a propylene,trimethylene, or tetramethylene diradical thereto, or one derived byfusing an aryl (e.g. a benz-group) or heteroaryl ring thereto.

As used herein the term “arylcarbonyloxy” means a group of the formulaaryl-C(═O)—O—, wherein aryl has the meaning described hereinabove.

As used herein the term “heteroarylcarbonyloxy” means a group of theformula heteroaryl-C(═O)—O—, wherein heteroaryl has the meaningdescribed hereinabove.

As used herein the term “aryloxycarbonyl” means a group of the formulaaryl-O—C(═O)—, wherein aryl has the meaning described hereinabove.

As used herein the term “heteroaryloxycarbonyl” means a group of theformula heteroaryl-O—C(═O)—, wherein heteroaryl has the meaningdescribed hereinabove.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that compounds of theinvention having a chiral center may exist in and be isolated inoptically active and racemic forms. Some compounds may exhibitpolymorphism. It is to be understood that the present inventionencompasses any racemic, optically-active, polymorphic, orstereoisomeric form, or mixtures thereof, of a compound of theinvention, which possess the useful properties described herein, itbeing well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms (forexample, by resolution of the racemic form by recrystallizationtechniques, by synthesis from optically-active starting materials, bychiral synthesis, or by chromatographic separation using a chiralstationary phase) and how to determine anti-cancer activity using thestandard tests described herein, or using other similar tests which arewell known in the art.

Specific values listed below for radicals, substituents, and ranges arefor illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or othervalues within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents.

Specifically, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, isoproproyl,butyl, isobutyl, tertbutyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, 2,2-dimethylprop-1-yl,hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, or decyl, etc.; (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl can beacetyl, propanoyl or butanoyl, etc.; (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy can be methoxy,ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, pentoxy, or hexyloxy;(C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio can be methylthio, ethylthio, propylthio,isopropylthio, butylthio, isobutylthio, pentylthio, or hexylthio;(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl can be vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl,2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl,1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, or 5-hexenyl, etc.;(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl can be ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl,2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl,1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, or 5-hexynyl, etc.;(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl can be acetyl, propanoyl or butanoyl, etc.;(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl can be methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl,propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, tertbutoxycarbonyl,pentoxycarbonyl, or hexyloxycarbonyl, etc.; (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy can beacetoxy, propanoyloxy, butanoyloxy, isobutanoyloxy, tertbutanoyloxy,pentanoyloxy, or hexanoyloxy, etc.; aryl can be phenyl, indenyl, ornaphthyl; heterocycle can be morpholinyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl,pyrrolidinyl, tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, 1,4-dioxanyl,tetrahydropyridinyl, thiomorpholinyl, azetidinyl, aziridinyl,dihydroisoindoyl, 1,3-dioxolane or dihydroisoquinolinyl; and heteroarylcan be furyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, triazinyl, oxazoyl, isoxazoyl,thiazolyl, isothiazoyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl, tetrazolyl,pyridyl, (or its N-oxide), thienyl, pyrimidinyl (or its N-oxide),indolyl, isoquinolyl (or its N-oxide) or quinolyl (or its N-oxide).

A specific value for R₁ is carboxy.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy-carbonyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted with one or more groups independentlyselected from carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl, and (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, and which(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is optionallysubstituted with one or more groups independently selected from halo,hydroxy, mercapto, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, aryl, heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b).

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted with one or more groups independentlyselected from carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl, and (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted with one or more carboxy.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, which (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl issubstituted with one or more groups independently selected from carboxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl, and(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, which (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl issubstituted with one or more carboxy.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted with one or more groups independentlyselected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, carboxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b).

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substituted with hydroxy, mercapto, carboxy orNR_(a)R_(b).

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substituted with hydroxy.

A specific value for R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substituted on the carbon adjacent to the triple bondin Formula (I) with hydroxy.

A specific value for R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl that is substituted with hydroxy, mercapto, carboxy orNR_(a)R_(b).

A specific value for R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl that is substituted with hydroxy.

A specific value for R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl that is substituted on the carbon adjacent to the triplebond in Formula (I) with hydroxy.

A specific value for R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted withhydroxy, mercapto, carboxy or NR_(a)R_(b).

A specific value for R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted withhydroxy.

A specific value for R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted on thecarbon adjacent to the triple bond in Formula (I) with hydroxy.

A specific value for R₁ is 2,2-dimethyl1-hydroxyprop-1-yl,1-hydroxyhept-4-ene-1-yl, 2-ethyl-1-hydroxyhex-1-yl,3-phenyl-1-hydroxyprop-1-yl, 1-hydroxy-hex-1-yl, R-1-hydroxy-hex-1-yl,S-1-hydroxy-hex-1-yl, carboxy, 1-bromohex-1-yl, 1-benzoyloxyhex-1-yl,1-acetoxyhex-1-yl, 1-phenoxyhex-1-yl, 1-hydroxy-but-1-yl,1-hydroxyoct-1-yl, 1-hydroxy-1-dec-1-yl, 1-hydroxy-1-dodec-1-yl,1-Cyclopropyl-1-hydroxymethyl, 1-cyclohexyl-1-hydroxymethyl,1-hydroxy-2,4-hexadiene-1-yl, 2-ethyl-1-hydroxyhex-1-yl,2-methyl-1-hydroxypent-1-yl,3-[N-(benzyloxycarbonyl)amino]-1-hydroxyprop-1-yl, or

A specific value for R₁ is 1-hydroxyhex-3-ene-1-yl.

A specific value for R₂ is CF₂Br, CFHBr, CF₂Cl, or CFHCl.

A specific value for R₂ is CF₂Br.

A specific compound of formula (I) is a compound of formula (II):

wherein: R₃ is hydroxy, mercapto, chloro, bromo, methylthio, ethylthio,methoxy, ethoxy, or acetylamino; and R₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, which (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl is optionally substituted with oneor more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto,(C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkylthio, carboxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl,aryl, heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b). A specific value for R₄ is(C₄-C₁₀)alkyl that is optionally substituted with one or more groupsindependently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy,(C₁-C₁₀)alkylthio, carboxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl,and NR_(a)R_(b).

A specific compound of the invention is a compound of formula (I):

wherein: R₁ is carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted with one or moregroups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, carboxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b);

R₂ is CF₂Br, CFHBr, CF₂Cl, CFHCl, CFBr₂, CFCl₂, CBr₃, C(R_(c))(R_(d))Br,C(R_(c))(R_(d))Cl, CF(R_(e))Br, or CCl₃;

each R_(a) and R_(b) is independently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy;

each R_(c), and R_(d) is independently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; and

R_(e) is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy;

wherein each aryl or heteroaryl of R₁ is optionally substituted with oneor more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano,trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, mercapto, carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,heteroaryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy;

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

A specific value for R₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl that is optionally substitutedwith one or more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy,mercapto, carboxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, and NR_(a)R_(b).

A specific value for R₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl.

A specific value for R₄ is (C₄-C₆)alkyl.

A specific compound of Formula (I) is1-bromo-1,1-difluoro-4-hydroxy-2-nonyne or1-bromo-1,1-difluoro-4-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-hexyne, or a salt thereof.

A specific compound of Formula (I) is

or a salt thereof.

Processes for preparing compounds of Formula (I) or salts thereof areprovided as further embodiments of the invention and are illustrated bythe following procedures in which the meanings of the generic radicalsare as given above unless otherwise qualified.

A compound of Formula (I) can be prepared by reacting a deprotonatedterminal alkyne of formula 1 with an electrophile of formula 2 wherein Xis a suitable leaving group. The terminal alkyne may include one or moreother functional groups or protected functional groups.

As illustrated below, a compound of Formula (I) wherein R₁ is a(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl that is substituted on the carbon adjacent to the triplebond in Formula (I) with hydroxy, and that is optionally furthersubstituted with one or more groups can be prepared by reacting atrialkylsilyl alkyne of formula 3 with an aldehyde of formula 4 toprovide the corresponding compound of Formula (I).

The reaction can conveniently be carried out by treating the compound offormula 3 with the aldehyde 4 and a fluoride ion source (e.g.,tetrabutylammonium fluoride) in a suitable solvent.

The compound of formula 5 can be further modified to provide othercompounds of Formula (I), such as compounds of formula 6-8, asillustrated below.

Conversion of an alcohol of formula 5, for example by bromination withCBr₄ and triphenylphosphine, provides a bromide of formula 6. Treatmentof an alcohol of formula 5 with diethyl azodicarboxylate (DEAD),triphenylphosphine, and a thiol of formula RSH provides a sulfide offormula 7. Treatment of an alcohol of formula 5, with diethylazodicarboxylate, triphenylphosphine, and an amide (e.g., of formulaCH₃CONH₂) provides an amide of formula 8.

Compound 9 below was first reported in the literature (Journal of theChemical Society, Perkin Transactions 1:1063-5; 1982). As illustratedbelow, it can also be prepared as described by G. B. Hammond J. FluorineChem. 2006, 127, 476-488.

Compounds of Formula (I) wherein R₁ is an alkyl, alkenyl, or alkynylgroup that is substituted with a carboxy group can be prepared byreacting the corresponding alkynyl lithium with dibromodifluoromethane.

A compound of Formula (II) wherein R₃ is hydroxy and R₂ is CH₂Br can beprepared as illustrated below.

Intermediates of formulae 1-4 are particularly useful for preparingcompounds of Formula (I).

In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic, a salt of acompound of Formula (I) can be useful as an intermediate for isolatingor purifying a compound of Formula (I). Additionally, administration ofa compound of Formula (I) as a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or basesalt may be appropriate. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable saltsare organic acid addition salts formed with acids which form aphysiological acceptable anion, for example, tosylate, methanesulfonate,acetate, citrate, malonate, tartarate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate,α-ketoglutarate, and α-glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts mayalso be formed, including hydrochloride, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate,and carbonate salts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standardprocedures well known in the art, for example by reacting a sufficientlybasic compound such as an amine with a suitable acid affording aphysiologically acceptable anion. Alkali metal (for example, sodium,potassium or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (for example calcium)salts of carboxylic acids can also be made.

The compounds of Formula (I) can be formulated as pharmaceuticalcompositions and administered to a mammalian host, such as a humanpatient, in a variety of forms adapted to the chosen route ofadministration, e.g., orally or parenterally, by intravenous,intramuscular, topical or subcutaneous routes.

Thus, the present compounds may be systemically administered, e.g.,orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle suchas an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may beenclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed intotablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient'sdiet. For oral therapeutic administration, the active compound may becombined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestibletablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions,syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations shouldcontain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of thecompositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and mayconveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a givenunit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeuticallyuseful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will beobtained.

The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain thefollowing: binders such as gum tragacanth, acacia, corn starch orgelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agentsuch as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; alubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such assucrose, fructose, lactose or aspartame or a flavoring agent such aspeppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring may be added. Whenthe unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition tomaterials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oilor a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present ascoatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unitdosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coatedwith gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir maycontain the active compound, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent,methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such ascherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing anyunit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantiallynon-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the active compound maybe incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

The active compound may also be administered intravenously orintraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Solutions of the activecompound or its salts can be prepared in water, optionally mixed with anontoxic surfactant. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol,liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin, and mixtures thereof and inoils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparationscontain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

The pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for injection or infusion caninclude sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions or sterile powderscomprising the active ingredient which are adapted for theextemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable or infusible solutionsor dispersions, optionally encapsulated in liposomes. In all cases, theultimate dosage form should be sterile, fluid and stable under theconditions of manufacture and storage. The liquid carrier or vehicle canbe a solvent or liquid dispersion medium comprising, for example, water,ethanol, a polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquidpolyethylene glycols, and the like), vegetable oils, nontoxic glycerylesters, and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can bemaintained, for example, by the formation of liposomes, by themaintenance of the particle size in the case of dispersions or by theuse of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms canbe brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, forexample, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, andthe like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonicagents, for example, sugars, buffers or sodium chloride. Prolongedabsorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by theuse in the compositions of agents delaying absorption, for example,aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the activecompound in the appropriate solvent with various of the otheringredients enumerated above, followed by filter sterilization. In thecase of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectablesolutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying andthe freeze drying techniques, which yield a powder of the activeingredient plus any additional desired ingredient present in thepreviously sterile-filtered solutions.

For topical administration, the present compounds may be applied in pureform, e.g., when they are liquids. However, it will generally bedesirable to administer them to the skin as compositions orformulations, in combination with a dermatologically-acceptable carrier,which may be a solid or a liquid.

Useful solid carriers include finely divided solids such as talc, clay,microcrystalline cellulose, silica, alumina and the like. Useful liquidcarriers include water, alcohols or glycols or water-alcohol/glycolblends, in which the present compounds can be dissolved or dispersed,optionally with the aid of non-toxic surfactants. Adjuvants such asfragrances and additional antimicrobial agents can be added to optimizethe properties for a given use. The resultant liquid compositions can beapplied from absorbent pads, used to impregnate bandages and otherdressings, or sprayed onto the affected area using pump-type or aerosolsprayers.

Thickeners such as synthetic polymers, fatty acids, fatty acid salts andesters, fatty alcohols, modified celluloses or modified mineralmaterials can also be employed with liquid carriers to form spreadablepastes, gels, ointments, soaps, and the like, for application directlyto the skin of the user.

Examples of useful dermatological compositions which can be used todeliver the compounds of Formula (I) to the skin are known to the art;for example, see Jacquet et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,392), Geria (U.S.Pat. No. 4,992,478), Smith et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,157) and Wortzman(U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,508).

Useful dosages of the compounds of Formula (I) can be determined bycomparing their in vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animalmodels. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, andother animals, to humans are known to the art; for example, see U.S.Pat. No. 4,938,949.

Generally, the concentration of the compound(s) of Formula (I) in aliquid composition, such as a lotion, will be from about 0.1-25 wt-%,preferably from about 0.5-10 wt-%. The concentration in a semi-solid orsolid composition such as a gel or a powder will be about 0.1-5 wt-%,preferably about 0.5-2.5 wt-%.

The amount of the compound, or an active salt or derivative thereof,effective for use in treatment will vary not only with the particularsalt selected but also with the route of administration, the nature ofthe condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient andwill be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician orclinician.

In general, however, a suitable dose will be in the range of from about0.5 to about 100 mg/kg, e.g., from about 10 to about 75 mg/kg of bodyweight per day, such as 3 to about 50 mg per kilogram body weight of therecipient per day, preferably in the range of 6 to 90 mg/kg/day, mostpreferably in the range of 15 to 60 mg/kg/day.

The compound can be conveniently administered in unit dosage form; forexample, containing 5 to 1000 mg, conveniently 10 to 750 mg, mostconveniently, 50 to 500 mg of active ingredient per unit dosage form.

Ideally, the active ingredient should be administered to achieve peakplasma concentrations of the active compound of from about 0.5 to about75 μM, preferably, about 1 to 50 μM, most preferably, about 2 to about30 μM. This may be achieved, for example, by the intravenous injectionof a 0.05 to 5% solution of the active ingredient, optionally in saline,or orally administered as a bolus containing about 1-100 mg of theactive ingredient. Desirable blood levels may be maintained bycontinuous infusion to provide about 0.01-5.0 mg/kg/hr or byintermittent infusions containing about 0.4-15 mg/kg of the activeingredient(s).

The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or asdivided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, astwo, three, four or more sub-doses per day. The sub-dose itself may befurther divided, e.g., into a number of discrete loosely spacedadministrations; such as multiple inhalations from an insufflator or byapplication of a plurality of drops into the eye.

Compounds of the invention can also be administered in combination withother therapeutic agents, for example, other agents that are useful forthe treatment of cancer. Examples of such agents include alkylatingagents (e.g. carmustine, chlorambucil, cisplatin, lomustine,cyclophosphamide, melphalan, mechlorethamine, procarbazine, thiotepa,uracil mustard, triethylenemelamine, busulfan, pipobroman, streptozocin,ifosfamide, dacarbazine, carboplatin, and hexamethylmelamine),antimetabolites (e.g. cytosine arabinoside, fluorouracil, gemcitabine,hydroxyurea, mercaptopurine, methotrexate, azaserine, thioguanine,floxuridine, fludarabine, cladribine and L-asparaginase), naturalproducts (e.g. actinomycin D, bleomycin, camptothecins, daunomycin,doxorubicin, etoposide, mitomycin C, (paclitaxel), taxotere, teniposide,vincristine, vinorelbine, mithramycin, idarubicin, (plicamycin), anddeoxycoformycin), hormonal agents (e.g. tamoxifen), and other agents(e.g. mitotane, mitoxantrone, vinblastine, and levamisole).

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the compound can beadministered or formulated in combination with one or more other DNMTinhibitors (e.g. dacitabine).

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the compound can beadministered or formulated in combination with one or more HDACinhibitors (e.g. vorinostat).

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the compound can beadministered or formulated in combination with one or more othertherapeutic agents (e.g. sorafenib, sutent, herceptin, avastatin,gleevec, iressa, or tarceva).

Accordingly, in one embodiment the invention also provides a compositioncomprising a compound of Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, at least one other therapeutic agent, and apharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. The invention alsoprovides a kit comprising a compound of Formula (I), or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, at least one other therapeuticagent, packaging material, and instructions for administering thecompound of Formula (I) or the pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereofand the other therapeutic agent or agents to an animal to treat acondition (e.g. cancer).

The ability of a compound of the invention to act as an anticancer agentmay be determined using pharmacological models which are well known tothe art, or using Test A described below.

Test A.

A test compound is suspended in sterile water or DMSO and diluted withsterile water to appropriate concentrations (final DMSO will be <0.5%).Samples are added to MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cells plated in96 well plates to give final concentrations of 10⁻¹⁰, 10⁻⁹, 10⁻⁸, 10⁻⁷,10⁻⁶ M in triplicate wells. Each plate contains a positive control and anegative control (untreated cells). Cells are incubated for 4 days andproliferation is measured using the colorimetric MTT(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay(see Methods Mol Biol 1998, 79, 79-83). Representative compounds ofFormula (I) were tested in this assay and were found to have usefulactivity.

The ability of a compound of the invention to act as an inhibitor ofDNMT1 may be determined using pharmacological models which are wellknown to the art, or using Test B described below.

Test B In Vitro Enzyme Assay Using recombinant Human DNMT1

A method similar to that described by Carcinogenesis, 2006, 27, 269-77can be used to evaluate the ability of a compound to act as an inhibitorof DNMT1. Briefly, compounds are incubated with recombinant human DNMT1(which is commercially available), hemimethylated DNA substrate(poly[dI-dC]) and S-adenosyl-[methyl-³H]-methionine as a methyl donor.After the reaction, DNA is precipitated and incorporated ³H is measured.Caffeic acid at 20 μM is used as a positive control.

The ability of a compound of the invention to affect DNA methylation incultured cells may be determined using pharmacological models which arewell known to the art, or using Test C described below.

Test C Effects on Promoter Methylation and Gene Expression in BreastCancer Cells

Genes that are known to be regulated by promoter methylation in breastcancer cells, including estrogen receptor RASS1FA and CDKN2A areevaluated. RT-PCR and western blotting analyses is carried out for thesegene products using extracts from MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancercells that have been treated with varying doses of a compound of Formula(I). Expression is examined at several time points and 5-azacytidine isused as a positive control. Methylation specific PCR is used to confirmthat activity is due to demethylation of the relevant promoter. Briefly,genomic DNA is treated with sodium bisulfate, which convertsunmethylated cytosines to uracil. Complementary PCR primers willtherefore require A to recognize uracil (from unmethylated cytosines),but G to recognize methylated cytosines. A nested PCR protocol can thusdistinguish between methylated and unmethylated promoters.

Test D Anti-Cancer Activity

The compound of Example 1 below was screened against a panel of 60 humantumor cell lines. This screening revealed that the compound was potentand that the compound had a distinctive pattern of activity. Thecompound was highly active in breast, prostate, colon and brain (CNS)tumor cells, but less potent in other tumor types, e.g. melanomas. Oneof the most sensitive cell types was breast cancer, with all seven ofthe cell lines (including a doxorubicin-resistant line) having GI₅₀values in the 10-66 nM range.

Analysis of the 60 cell line data using the on-line COMPARE program,which allows comparison of the activity profile of a “seed” with themore than 60,000 compounds in the public database, was also carried out.When the compound of Example 1 was used as a COMPARE seed, a strongcorrelation (Pearson coefficient 0.82) with a compound known as halomonwas found. Halomon is a halogenated monoterpene that is structurallydistinct from the compound of Example 1. Nonetheless, similarity forcertain tumor types (e.g. breast, colon, CNS) and for specific celllines within each panel was found. These results suggest that thecompound of Example 1 and halomon share the same mechanism of action.Mean Graph Representations showing the activity profiles of the compoundof Example 1 and Halomon (right panel) in the 60 Tumor Cell Line Screenare shown in FIG. 1.

Test E The Methyltransferase Activity of the Compound of Example 1 wasEvaluated as Follows.

For experiments 1 and 2, A549 non-small cell lung cancer cells wereincubated with the compound of Example 1 (1 μM final concentration) orvehicle (untreated) for 2 h and nuclear extracts were prepared bystandard methods. The total DNA methyltransferase activity of theextracts was measured using EpiQuik™ DNA MethyltransferaseActivity/Inhibition Assay Kit (Epigentek, Brooklyn, N.Y.), according tothe manufacturer's directions. For experiment 3, the assay was carriedout using purified HeLa nuclear extracts in the presence of the compoundof Example 1 (500 nM final concentration) or vehicle (untreated).

The assay involves incubation of nuclear extracts (as a source of DNAmethyltransferase activity) with immobilized DNA substrate in thepresence of Adomet (methyl donor). The DNA methyltransferase activitywas measured by determining levels of 5-methylcytosine in the DNAsubstrate using a primary antibody to 5-methylcytosine and a secondaryantibody for colorimetric detection at 450 nm. Results are presented inthe following table.

TABLE Relative DNA Methyltransferase Activity 1. Using nuclear 2. Repeatexperiment extracts from using nuclear extracts 3. Using 20 μg ofuntreated or from untreated or HeLa nuclear Example 1 treated Example 1extracts incubated (1 μM for 2 h) treated (1 μM for 2 h) in vitro with500 Experiment lung cancer cells. lung cancer cells. nM Example 1Untreated 0.114 0.122 0.264 Example 0.073 0.075 0.092 1-treatedTest F In-Vivo Effects of Compound of Example 1.

The following study was designed to assess toxicity and activity infemale nude mice bearing A549 human non-small cell lung cancerxenografts. Athymic nude mice were inoculated subcutaneously (s.c.) withA549 cells and treatment began after small tumors were visible. Thecompound of Example 1 was prepared at 100 mg/ml or 50 mg/ml in DMSO anddiluted 1:10 with sterile PBS. Mice were treated by intraperitoneal(i.p.) injections of 100 μl of these solutions, equivalent toapproximately 25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg; the control group received identicalinjections of vehicle (10% DMSO in PBS). Mice received injections of thecompound of Example 1 or vehicle five times per week (once per day,except on weekends) for up to 30 injections. There was no evidence ofacute toxicity in mice treated with the compound of Example 1, as judgedby body weight and behavior of the mice The tumors grew slower in thetreated mice compared to control-treated mice, although the differencewas not statistically significant (see A in FIG. 2). Evaluating thelong-term outcome was complicated by the fact that several animals inthe compound of Example 1 treated groups developed tumornecrosis/ulceration and had to be euthanized before the end of theexperiment, as required by IACUC protocol. This tumor necrosis isbelieved to be treatment-related as it occurred in 5/12 treated animals,but 0/6 of the control group. There was suggestion that the observedtumor necrosis was predictive of an anti-tumor effect, because the sizeof the ulcerated tumors was substantially smaller than those in thecontrol group at the same time point (see B in FIG. 2). The overallresponse seemed to be equivalent or better in the low dose groupcompared with the high dose group, but that may be consistent with themechanism of action, since a similar effect has been observed fordecitabine in humans. These in vivo results show that the compound ofExample 1 exhibits no evidence of acute toxicity and suggesting it caninduce tumor necrosis in a mouse model of cancer.

The invention will now be illustrated by the following non-limitingExamples.

EXAMPLE 1 Synthesis of 1-bromo-1,1-difluoro-non-2-yn-4-ol

To a solution of (3-bromo-3,3-difluoro-prop-1-ynyl)-triisopropyl-silane(156 mg, 0.5 mmol) and hexanal (60 mg, 0.6 mmol) in THF (5 mL), TBAF(1M, 0.75 mL) was added dropwise at −90° C. After the addition wascompleted, the reaction mixture was stirred for 0.5 h and quenched withsaturated aq. NH₄Cl. The mixture was extracted with ether (20 mL×3) andwashed with water (20 mL×2). After drying over Na₂SO₄ the solvent wasremoved and the product was purified by silica gel chromatography(AcOEt:hexane=1:20) to afford the title compound (82 mg, 65%) ascolorless liquid. Colorless liquid, yield: 78%. IR (neat): 3320, 2934,2261, 1223, 1096 cm−1 . 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 4.49-4.52 (m, 1H),2.14 (bs, 1H), 1.74-1.77 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.47 (m, 2H), 1.33-1.38 (m, 4H),0.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 3H); 19F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl3) δ −32.9 (s, 2F); 13CNMR (125 MHz, CDCl3) δ 101.5 (t, J=288 Hz), 91.5 (t, J=5.8 Hz), 77.3 (t,J=38 Hz), 62.2, 36.8, 31.4, 24.6, 22.6, 14.1; GCMS: 157, 137, 115, 104,91.

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of S-1-Bromo-1,1-difluoro-non-2-yn-4-ol

To a solution of2-[1-(3-Bromo-3,3-difluoro-prop-1-ynyl)-hexyloxy]-tetrahydro-pyran (1.08g, 3.2 mmol) 20 mL methanol, TsOH.H₂O (12 mg, 0.069 mmol) was added.After the addition was completed, the reaction mixture was stirred for12 h and quenched with saturated aq. NaHCO₃. The mixture was extractedwith ether (20 mL×3) and washed with water (20 mL×2). After drying overNa₂SO₄ the solvent was removed and the product was purified by silicagel chromatography (DCM:Hexane=1:1) to afford the title compound (0.58g, 71%) as colorless liquid: yield: 78%. IR (neat): 3320, 2934, 2261,1223, 1096 cm⁻¹. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.49-4.52 (m, 1H), 2.14 (bs,1H), 1.74-1.77 (m, 2H), 1.45-1.47 (m, 2H), 1.33-1.38 (m, 4H), 0.91 (t,J=6.5 Hz, 3H); ¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃) δ −32.9 (s, 2F); ¹³C NMR (125MHz, CDCl₃) δ 101.5 (t, J=288 Hz), 91.5 (t, J=5.8 Hz), 77.3 (t, J=38Hz), 62.2, 36.8, 31.4, 24.6, 22.6, 14.1; GCMS: 157, 137, 115, 104, 91.

The intermediate2-[1-(3-Bromo-3,3-difluoro-prop-1-ynyl)-hexyloxy]-tetrahydro-pyran wasprepared as follows.

a. S-2-(1-Ethynyl-hexyloxy)-tetrahydropyran. To a solution ofS-oct-1-yn-3-ol (900 mg, 7.13 mmol) and 3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran (901 mg,10.7 mMol) in 5 mL dichloromethane, TsOH.H₂O (13 mg, 0.071 mMol) wasadded. After the addition was completed, the reaction mixture wasstirred for 12 h and quenched with saturated aq. NaHCO₃. The mixture wasextracted with DCM (20 mL×3) and washed with water (20 mL×2). Afterdrying over Na₂SO₄ the solvent was removed and the product was purifiedby silica gel chromatography (AcOEt:hexane=1:10) to afford2-(1-ethynyl-hexyloxy)tetrahydropyran (1.27 g, 85%) as colorless liquid.The product was a mixture of two diastereomers (ratio 1:5.8). Majordiastereomer: ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.98-4.97 (m, 1H), 4.40-4.43 (m,1H), 3.79-3.83 (m, 1H), 3.53-3.55 (m, 1H), 2.38 (s, 1H), 1.71-1.84 (m,4H), 1.44-1.62 (m, 6H), 1.33-1.34 (m, 4H), 0.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 3H)b. 2-[1-(3-Bromo-3,3-difluoro-prop-1-ynyl)-hexyloxy]-tetrahydro-pyran.To a solution of S-2-(1-ethynyl-hexyloxy)tetrahydropyran (1.24 g, 5.9mmol) in dry THF 30 mL, a 2.5 M hexane solution of n-butyllithium (2.36mL, 5.9 mmol) was added dropwise at approximately −90° C. (liquidN₂/EtOH bath) under an argon atmosphere. After the reaction mixture wasstirred for 30 minutes at that temperature, the reaction mixture wascooled to −110° C. (because the solvent along the wall of reaction flaskfroze at −110° C., it is helpful to maintain good stirring throughout).Cold dibromodifluoromethane (5.5 mL, 60 mmol) was added to the mixtureby cannulation. The temperature of the reaction mixture was controlledvery carefully during the addition of CF₂Br₂ using a thermometerimmersed in the reaction mixture. The reaction temperature may rise to−90° C. or even higher even if CF₂Br₂ is introduced slowly. After theaddition was completed, the mixture was allowed to warm to −50° C. withstirring during the course of 1 hour and quenched with sat. aq. NH₄Cl(50 mL). The aqueous layer was extracted with ether (50 mL) and theorganic layer was washed by water (10 mL×3). The organic layer was driedover Na₂SO₄. After evaporation of the solvent, the product was purifiedby silica gel chromatography (AcOEt:Hexane=1:10) to afford product (1.5g, 75%) as colorless liquid. The product is mixture of two diastereomers(ratio 1:9.5). Major diastereomer:

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.88-4.85 (m, 1H), 4.56-4.58 (m, 1H),3.78-3.81 (m, 1H), 3.55-3.57 (m, 1H), 1.72-1.83 (m, 6H), 1.49-1.64 (m,4H), 1.33-1.34 (m, 4H), 0.91 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 3H); ¹⁹F NMR (470 MHz, CDCl₃)δ −32.9 (s), −32.3 (d, J=9.8 Hz)

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of 6-Bromo-6,6-difluoro-2,2-dimethyl-hex-4-yn-3-ol

To a solution of (3-bromo-3,3-difluoro-prop-1-ynyl)-triisopropyl-silane(156 mg, 0.5 mmol) and 2,2-dimethyl-propionaldehyde (52 mg, 0.6 mmol) inTHF (5 mL), TBAF (1M, 0.75 mL) was added dropwise at −90° C. After theaddition was completed, the reaction mixture was stirred for 0.5 hourand quenched saturated aq. NH₄Cl. The mixture was extracted with ether(20 mL×3) and washed with water (20 mL×2). After drying over Na₂SO₄ thesolvent was removed and the product was purified by silica gelchromatography (AcOEt:hexane=1:20) to afford the title compound as acolorless liquid. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃) δ 4.08-4.09 (m, 1H), 1.83 (d,J=6.0 Hz, 1H), 0.965 (s, 9H).

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of Representative Compounds of Formula (I)

Using the synthetic processes illustrated above, the following compoundsof Formula (I) were prepared. Most compounds were prepared by reactionof TIPS or other silyl protecting group (R′, R″, R′″ methyl, ethyl,phenyl, iso-propyl, tert-butyl, phenyl) substituted difluoropropargylbromide with an aldehyde in the presence of fluoride ion (TBAF or asuitable source of fluoride ion). Other compounds were made by directdifluorobromomethylation of functionalized terminal alkynes.

Chemical Chemical shift of ¹H shift of ¹⁹F R₁ R₂ (RCHOH) NMR2,2-dimethyl-1- bromodifluoromethyl 4.08 −32.8 hydroxyprop-1-yl1-hydroxyhept-4-ene-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 4.54 −33.0 3-phenyl-1-bromodifluoromethyl 5.14 −32.7 hydroxyprop-1-yl 1-hydroxy-hex-1-ylbromomethyl 3.95 — 1-hydroxy-hex-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 4.49 −32.9R-1-hydroxy-hex-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 4.49 −32.9 S-1-hydroxy-hex-1-ylbromodifluoromethyl 4.49 −32.9 carboxy bromodifluoromethyl — −38.21-bromohex-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 4.52 −33.5 1-benzoyloxyhex-1-ylbromodifluoromethyl 5.75 1-acetoxyhex-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 5.46−33.5 1-phenoxyhex-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 1-hydroxy-but-1-ylbromodifluoromethyl 4.53 −32.8 1-hydroxyoct-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl4.52 −32.9 1-hydroxy-1-dec-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 4.52 −32.91-hydroxy-1-dodec-1-yl bromodifluoromethyl 4.52 −32.8 1-cyclopropyl-1-bromodifluoromethyl 4.27 −33.0 hydroxymethyl 1-cyclohexyl-1-bromodifluoromethyl 4.31 −32.7 hydroxymethyl 1-hydroxy-2,4-bromodifluoromethyl 5.04 −33.3 hexadiene-1-yl 2-ethyl-1-hydroxyhex-1-ylbromodifluoromethyl 4.54 −32.8 2-methyl-1- bromodifluoromethyl 4.40−32.8 hydroxypent-1-yl 3-[N-(benzyloxy- bromodifluoromethyl 4.61 −33.0carbonyl)amino]- 1-hydroxyprop-1-yl

bromodifluoromethyl 4.48 4.56 −33.8 −33.7

EXAMPLE 5

The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms,containing a compound of Formula (I) (‘Compound X’), for therapeutic orprophylactic use in humans.

(i) Tablet 1 mg/tablet Compound X = 100.0 Lactose 77.5 Povidone 15.0Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Microcrystalline cellulose 92.5 Magnesiumstearate 3.0 300.0

(ii) Tablet 2 mg/tablet Compound X = 20.0 Microcrystalline cellulose410.0 Starch 50.0 Sodium starch glycolate 15.0 Magnesium stearate 5.0500.0

(iii) Capsule mg/capsule Compound X = 10.0 Colloidal silicon dioxide 1.5Lactose 465.5 Pregelatinized starch 120.0 Magnesium stearate 10 600.0

(iv) Injection 1 (1 mg/ml) mg/ml Compound X = (free acid form) 1.0Dibasic sodium phosphate 12.0 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.7 Sodiumchloride 4.5 1.0 N Sodium hydroxide solution q.s. (pH adjustment to7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL

(v) Injection 2 (10 mg/ml) mg/ml Compound X = (free acid form) 10.0Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.3 Dibasic sodium phosphate 1.1 Polyethyleneglycol 400 200.0 0.1 N Sodium hydroxide solution q.s. (pH adjustment to7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL

(vi) Aerosol mg/can Compound X = 20.0 Oleic acid 10.0Trichloromonofluoromethane 5,000.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 10,000.0Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 5,000.0The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures wellknown in the pharmaceutical art.

All publications, patents, and patent documents are incorporated byreference herein, as though individually incorporated by reference. Theinvention has been described with reference to various specific andpreferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understoodthat many variations and modifications may be made while remainingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. A compound of Formula (I):

wherein: R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂ -C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,which (C₁-₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substitutedwith one or more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy,mercapto, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy,aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, (C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, carboxy,(C₂-C₂₀) alkenyloxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl,heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, NR_(a)R_(b), (C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy,and arylcarbonyloxy; R₂ is CF₂Br, CF₂Cl, CFBr₂, CFCl₂, CBr₃,CF(R_(e))Br, CF₂I, CF(R_(e))I or CCl₃; each R_(a) and R_(b) isindependently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, or aryl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl;and R_(e) is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; wherein each aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl,aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, arylcarbonyloxy or heteroarylcarbonyloxy of R₁is optionally substituted with one or more groups independently selectedfrom halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,mercapto, carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,heteroaryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, aryl(C₂-C₂o)alkenyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy; or a saltthereof; provided the compound is not 4-bromo-4,4-difluorobut-2-ynoicacid or 1-bromo-1,1-difluoro-non-2-yn-4-ol.
 2. The compound of claim 1wherein: R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted withone or more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, carboxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl,and NR_(a)R_(b); R₂ is CF₂Br, CF₂Cl, CFBr₂, CFCl₂, CBr₃, or CCl₃; eachR_(a) and R_(b) is independently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; and R_(e) is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; wherein eacharyl or heteroaryl of R₁ is optionally substituted with one or moregroups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano,trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, mercapto, carboxy, (C_(1-C) ₂₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy,(C_(2-C) ₂₀)alkynyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,heteroaryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy; or a saltthereof.
 3. The compound of claim 1 provided the compound is not6-bromo-6, 6-difluoro-2-methylhex-4-yn-3-ol.
 4. The compound of claim 1wherein R₁ is a (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substitutedwith hydroxy, mercapto, carboxy or NR_(a)R_(b).
 5. The compound of claim1 wherein R₁ is a (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substitutedwith hydroxy.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is a (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀) alkyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substituted on the carbonadjacent to the triple bond in Formula (I) with hydroxy.
 7. The compoundof claim 1 wherein R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl that is substituted with hydroxy, mercapto, carboxy orNR_(a)R_(b).
 8. A compound of Formula (I):

or a salt thereof, wherein R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl that is substituted with hydroxy; R₂ is CF₂Br, CFHBr,CF₂Cl, CFHCl, CFBr₂, CFCl₂, CBr₃, C(R_(c))(R_(d))Br, C(R_(c))(R_(d))Cl,CF(R_(e))Br, CF₂I, CFHI, C(R_(c))(R_(d))I, CF(R_(e))I or CCl₃; eachR_(c) and R_(d) is independently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; and R_(e) is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C,₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy.
 9. Thecompound of claim 8 wherein R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl that is substituted on the carbon adjacent to the triplebond in Formula (I) with hydroxy.
 10. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted with hydroxy, mercapto, carboxyor NR_(a)R_(b).
 11. The compound of claim 8 wherein R₁ is a(C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted with hydroxy.
 12. The compound ofclaim 8 wherein R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted on the carbonadjacent to the trip bond in Formula (I) with hydroxyl.
 13. The compoundof claim 1 wherein R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl is substituted with (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy.
 14. Thecompound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is a (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted onthe carbon adjacent to the triple bond in Formula (I) with(C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy.
 15. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is1-hydroxyhexane, 1-hydroxy-2, 2-dimethylpropane, 1-acetoxyhexane orcis-1-hydroxy-3-hexane.
 16. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is a(C₅-C₁₀)alkyl that is substituted on the carbon adjacent to the triplebond in Formula (I) with acetoxy.
 17. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₂is CF₂Br, or CF₂Cl.
 18. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is CF₂Br. 19.The compound of claim 1 wherein the compound of formula (I) is acompound of formula (II):

wherein: R₃ is hydroxy, mercapto, chloro, bromo, methylthio, ethylthio,methoxy, ethoxy, acetylamino, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyloxy, arylcarbonyloxy,aryloxy; and R₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl,which (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl is optionallysubstituted with one or more groups independently selected from halo,hydroxy, mercapto, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkylthio, carboxy,(C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b).
 20. Thecompound of claim 19 wherein: R₃ is hydroxy, mercapto, chloro, bromo,methylthio, ethylthio, methoxy, ethoxy, or acetylamino; and R₄ is(C₄-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, which (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl is optionally substituted with oneor more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto,(C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkylthio, carboxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl,aryl, heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b).
 21. The compound of claim 19 whereinR₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl that is optionally substituted with one or moregroups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto,((C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkylthio, carboxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl,aryl heteroaryl, and NR_(a)R_(b).
 22. The compound of claim 19 whereinR₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl that is optionally substituted with one or moregroups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto, carboxy,(C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, and NR_(a)R_(b).
 23. The compound of claim 19wherein R₄ is (C₄-C₁₀)alkyl.
 24. The compound of claim 19 wherein R4 is(C₄-C₆)alkyl.
 25. The compound1-bromo-1,1,difluoro-4-hydroxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-hexyne, or a salt thereof.26. The compound

or a salt thereof.
 27. A pharmaceutical composition comprising acompound of Formula (I):

wherein: R₁ is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, which(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl, is substituted withone or more groups independently selected from halo, hydroxy, mercapto,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, aryloxy,heteroaryloxy, (C₃-C₂₀)cycloalkyloxy, heterocyclyloxy,(C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio, carboxy,(C₂ C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxycarbonyl, aryl,heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, NR_(a)R_(b), (C₂-C₂₀)alkynoyloxy,and arylcarbonyloxy; R₂ is CF₂Br, CF₂Cl, CFBR₂, CFCl₂, CBr₃,CF(R_(e))Br, CF₂I, CF(R_(e))I, or CCl₃; each R_(a) and R_(b) isindependently H, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy,(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynloxy, or aryl-(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl;and R_(e) is (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkanoyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylcarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, (C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, or (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; wherein each aryl, heteroaryl, heterocyclyl, aryloxy, orheteroaryloxy, arylcarbonyloxy or heteroarylcarbonyloxy or R1 isoptionally substituted with one or more goups independently selectedfrom halo, hydroxy, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy,mercapto, carboxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy, (C₁-C₂₀)alkylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenylthio, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynylthio,(C₁-C₂₀)alkoxycarbonyl, (C₂-C₂₀)alkenyloxycarbonyl,(C₂-C₂₀)alkynylcarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl,heteroaryl(C₁-C₂₀)alkyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, aryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkenyl, heteroaryl(C₂-C₂₀)alkynyl,(C₁-C₂₀)alkenoyloxy, (C₂-C₂₀)alkynyloxy; or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier;provided the compound is not 4-bromo-4,4-difluorobut-2-ynoic acid or1-bromo-1,1-difluoro-non-2-yn-4-ol.
 28. The compound of claim 1, whereinR₁ is 1-hydroxyhexane, 1-hydroxyoctane, 1-hydroxydecane,1-acetoxyhexane, cis-1-hydroxy-3-hexene, or cis-1-hydroxy-4-heptane; andR2 is CF2Br.
 29. The compound of claim 8, wherein the (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl is further substituted with ahydroxy.
 30. The compound of claim 8, wherein the (C₅-C₁₀)alkyl,(C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl is further substituted with acarboxy.
 31. A method for treating cancer in an animal in need thereof,wherein the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breastcancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer and brain tumor, which methodcomprises administering a treatment effective amount of a compound ofclaim 8, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to the animal.32. A method for inhibiting DNA methyltransferase activity in an animal,which method comprises administering a compound of claim 8, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to the animal.
 33. A methodfor treating cancer in an animal in need thereof, wherein the cancer isselected from the group consisting of breast cancer, prostate cancer,colon cancer and brain tumor, which method comprises administering atreatment effective amount of a compound of claim 19, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, to the animal.
 34. A methodfor inhibiting DNA methyltransferase activity in an animal, which methodcomprises administering a compound of claim 19, or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof, to the animal.
 35. A method for treating cancerin an animal in need thereof, wherein the cancer is selected from thegroup consisting of breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer andbrain tumor, which method comprises administering a treatment effectiveamount of a compound of claim 26, or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof, to the animal.
 36. A method for inhibiting DNAmethyltransferase activity in an animal, which method comprisesadministering a compound of claim 26, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof, to the animal.